At sunset, after listening to an introduction to Indian classical music, we briefly visited Sarkhej Rosa, some 10km distance to the SW of Ahmedabad on the outskirts of city.
The complex of buildings, built around an artificial lake, include; the mausoleum of Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, a Sufi saint and a friend/advisor to Sultan Ahmed Shah (founder of Ahmedabad), a mosque, pavilions and gardens.The stunning architecture includes intericately carved screens, a grid of pillars which hold up a series of huge domes and a large courtyard. The stone work incorporates both the skills and style of the indigenous Hindu and Jain carvers combined with the influence of the Islamic traditions from Persia.
The space and the cool of the evening gave a beautiful calm. In the 15th century, the complex had been a retreat for the Royal Families and today it is continues to be used by visitors as a place to relax and picnic. Many, like ourselves, come to visit in the evening light.
A place to revisit later during my stay.
